Located in the corner of a busy plaza, follow the spicy scent of curries and freshly baked naan to the open door. The intimate dining room creates a warm environment and, when coupled with the unlimited naan, could have you falling asleep in your chair. Be careful not to fill up on bread though, because the lunch buffet is $10 a person and boasts food prepared by a chef with 15 years experience.

Stop in for exciting vegetarian meals and snacks with a different special offered every month. The affordable meals and friendly staff will have you wanting to dine in, but the take out option is also very popular. Try a piece of every region in India with the chaat samosas-triangular crispy potato patty, served with garbanzo curry, chutney and onions. Or try the tasty paneer pakora-cheese nuggets with chutneys.

A hidden hole-in-the-wall gem, Bismillah is a cool fusion of Indian and Pakistani flavors. The cozy, dimly lit room sets the mood for hot meals that remind many of mom’s home cooking. For those who consider themselves culinary adventurers, try the brain masala, a goat brain served with onions and chutney in a curry. They also offer a wide variety of refreshing lassis.

Multiple locations across the Bay Area make it easy to find this affordable Indian food. Peacock boasts an impressive assortment of biryani, breads and dessert options available at each location. They also serve dim sum biryani and double ka meeta-bread pudding, made of fried bread slices soaked in hot milk with spices, including saffron and cardamom.

Vedas offers a selection of fresh ingredients and attention to detail that makes for great business lunches and dinners. They offer an impressive assortment of options hot from the tandoor, including subs-a-tandoor (assorted vegetables with a special marinade) or achari paneer tikka (fresh cottage cheese marinated in yogurt, Indian pickle, coriander, garam masala & green peppers). There are also plenty of options for vegetarians and a special dietary menu.

The food is traditional southern dosa with no frills and plenty of vegetarian options. The dosa is the star here with many unique variations. Sitting in the heart of downtown it is open late to satisfy San Jose State student cravings.

A favorite of engineers for their enjoyable lunch buffet and ambiance, Rangoli provides a comfortable environment with dim lights and candles and fancy dinnerware. The friendly staff is always on hand if you need a recommendation from the menu or extensive buffet options. We recommend the naan pizza for a new take on a tasty favorite.

Cautious to the Indian food scene? Try Sakoon for a less traditional experience. The food incorporates favorites of the past with a modern touch that can be appreciated by all. They also offer an impressive bar and happy hour. Try the Pardah Sheekh Kebab—oven grilled ground lamb infused with herbs, spices, onion and bell-pepper.

The winner of numerous awards, including several appearances on Metro’s prestigious “Best Of” list for Indian Restaurants, Amber India operates under the direction of award-winning chef Vittal Shetty. The menu showcases inspired preparations of both traditional and contemporary Indian cuisine, which are as appealing to the eyes as they are to the taste buds.